Our Team

Tom Waldenfels is a Presentation Skills specialist with 30 years experience helping people present themselves and their ideas in the most compelling and impactful way possible. He’s taught presentation skills to everyone from college students and small business owners to high-level corporate executives. He co-facilitates our Speaker’s Boot Camp programs with Denise. Participants learn how to use speaking to build their businesses … boosting both their confidence as well as their skill level in the process.

Tom’s conducted hundreds of three-day intensive speaking workshops for corporate clients, including Nortel, Entergy, Houston Lighting and Power, NRG’s South Texas Project, Bell Northern Research, First Energy, Northeast Utilities, and Ameren. It’s no stretch to say that thousands of people have benefited from Tom’s down-to-earth training and insightful coaching. Participants say Tom’s positive reinforcement, sense of humor, and results-oriented approach make the learning experience qualitatively different … more to the point … more enjoyable … more empowering.

With a BA from Wake Forest and a Masters of Science in Interpersonal and Public Communication from the University of Louisiana, Tom’s approach is firmly rooted in rigorous academic research as well as the real world of practical human experience. He’s the principal co-author of the book, The Powerful Presenter, a comprehensive how-to manual for making great presentations of all kinds.

Tom ‘s also our in-house writer and editor, helping clients craft a message that’s just right, not just in terms of “correctness,” but from a style perspective as well.

He works with you on everything from bio’s and promotional material to full speeches, newsletters, and he’s even ghostwritten books!

Andrew DavisPROJECT & CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER

Andrew’s a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he earned his BA degree in Psychology and certification in Elementary Education. Since graduating in 2012, Andrew has made the most of his beloved new home in Asheville, NC.

Andrew now serves as Denise’s right-hand-man, handling many aspects of our client relations – including billing, scheduling, and helping make sure our online and live events run smoothly.

In addition to his experience in the school systems, Andrew also works within the local arts community as a traveling sales representative for Asheville’s artisan glassblowers.

It was Andrew’s passion for enriching the lives of others that brought him to us, and we’re excited about what he has to offer!

STEPHEN MARCSPEAKING AND TOUR MANAGER

Stephen has over 20 years experience as an Operations Consultant, specializing in business process improvement. He’s also a CRM Solutions Expert, creating customized webinar content and delivering live CRM instructional webinars.

Stephen loves people as well as improving processes. The phrase, “He’s never met a stranger” could’ve been coined specifically for him! He’s engaging and humorous … the perfect person to be booking Denise’s speaking engagements! With his background in operations, he also makes sure all the logistics are taken care of.

KATIE MATTSONWEB & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Katie Mattson is a veteran graphic designer who’s worked with corporations and small business owners.

She’s earned a BFA in graphic design from James Madison University, a coaching certificate from Coach University, and an ACC certification from the International Coach Federation. Because of her unusual blend of coaching and design skills, she understands the needs of business owners implicitly.

You get more than an unforgettable website or a nice brochure. She designs marketing materials that align with our clients’ values and goals and really reflect who they are!

CHRISTY BRIDGESONLINE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Christy manages all our online communications, including our newsletter and blog, making sure our subscribers are well taken care of. Christy came to us with a background in mediation, interpersonal skill building, and conflict resolution. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Speech Communication, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution. She’s worked with youth ages 5 to 18 for more than a decade, specializing in serving court-involved youth and teenagers. After that, managing our online communications looked easy!